Winter can really get you down. Thick coats, colourful scarves and gloves all put a brave face on it, but be honest doesn’t the cold just get you down?

Back at work after the holiday break that was all too short. Dark mornings that never really seem to brighten up and before you know it, it is dark again. What happened to the day? No wonder people are miserable in winter, more likely to catch a cold and more likely to be in a bad mood, at least for many it seems that way.

Package holiday offers fill the television screens can you really wait until July or August for your next summer holiday? … Read more

Winter can really get you down. Thick coats, colourful scarves and gloves all put a brave face on it, but be honest doesn’t the cold just get you down?

Back at work after the holiday break that was all too short. Dark mornings that never really seem to brighten up and before you know it, it is dark again. What happened to the day? No wonder people are miserable in winter, more likely to catch a cold and more likely to be in a bad mood, at least for many it seems that way.

Package holiday offers fill the television screens can you really wait until July or August for your next summer holiday? “Can I last that long?” You are asking yourself.

Then a tanned and upbeat friend returns from a trip to Cape Town and you really feel left out in the cold!

GIVE WINTER THE COLD SHOULDER

The birds know a thing or two about following the sun, they all flew south a long time ago. Perhaps it’s time to spread your own wings. Why not turn your back on the chill and winter clothes and explore a warmer climate.

There are a number of direct flights to Cape Town from Europe or fly via one of the international hubs and arrive to a City full of natural sunlight and wonder. Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain stands proudly above this amazing city and the beaches of the Atlantic seaboard spread their arms wide in welcome. You will feel up lifted the moment you land and the only ‘Blue’ you’ll be seeing is that of the sea and the sky.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS

Cape Town is famous for its hospitality and the friendly locals are eager to assist and show you around their very own ‘Mother City’ as Cape Town is known.

Nestled in one of the most beautiful corners of Africa between the famous mountain and the sea lies Ocean View House, with sun-drenched balconies and gardens and as the name suggests, views to dream of.

True South African hospitality matched with European efficiency is what keeps guests returning time and again to Ocean View House. As soon as you enter the well-tended grounds of this Oasis by the Sea you will marvel at the beauty of the location and the views spread out before you.

Each room tastefully decorated and fully equipped boasts a balcony/ terrace or even a small private garden and every room has its own special view. Enjoy a sundowner in the privacy of your own room or take a walk to nearby Camps Bay and soak up the sun’s last rays as they sink into the Atlantic leaving streaks of colour across the sky.

DEDICATED TOUR SERVICES

Ocean View House even offers a private tour service with an experienced guide and a well-equipped vehicle. There are a number of different tours available or together with friends, you can also put your own private tour together. Visit the African Penguins at the coast or take a trip to a Game farm to see the big five or marvel at the scenery as you drive along the coast road and view from high above beautiful stretches of sandy beaches.

SUNDRENCHED BEACHES

Some of the best beaches in the world are on the Atlantic coast of Cape Town. True the water is bracingly cool but a quick dip and a paddle is all that is needed to break up a day of serious sunbathing. Check out Camps Bay Beach with its line of great restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Volley Ball games on the beach and even massage tents are available if you don’t mind a bit of sand in your clothes. Buskers will sell you cold drinks and ice creams as you relax and work on your suntan. Remember sunscreen is a must even if there is breeze the UV level can be high.

RELAXING SPA TREATMENTS

Take a break from seeing the sights and book a massage or a facial at the Relax Spa at Ocean View House. Tired and taught muscles will be gently revived or given a good workout. Facial masks and hydrating treatments boost your skin’s natural glow and help to preserve that enviable tan.

All in all your holiday to the Cape will leave you refreshed, revitalised and ready to face the weather back home. Winter Blues all blown away and after all Spring is on it’s way.

]]>A boat trip to Seal Island, Cape Fur Seal and bird sanctuary, is one of the great outdoor activities for kids when staying at Ocean View House, Cape Town.http://oceanview-house.com/boat-trip-seal-island/
Wed, 17 Jan 2018 19:46:57 +0000http://oceanview-house.com/?p=3230As an adult, how often do you think back to your travels as a child? Perhaps it’s been decades since you’ve last been at a place, but the moment you realize you have visited it as a child, you smile and feel a bit happier.

Visiting new places for the first time is a memory that lasts. Giving your kids the opportunity to see some of the beauty Mother Nature offers for the first time is an experience that might even spark the passion for their future career paths.

When visiting Ocean View House one of the outdoor activities you can enjoy with your kids in the area is a boat trip the Cape Fur Seal and bird sanctuary on Duiker Island, better known as Seal Island.… Read more

]]>As an adult, how often do you think back to your travels as a child? Perhaps it’s been decades since you’ve last been at a place, but the moment you realize you have visited it as a child, you smile and feel a bit happier.

Visiting new places for the first time is a memory that lasts. Giving your kids the opportunity to see some of the beauty Mother Nature offers for the first time is an experience that might even spark the passion for their future career paths.

When visiting Ocean View House one of the outdoor activities you can enjoy with your kids in the area is a boat trip the Cape Fur Seal and bird sanctuary on Duiker Island, better known as Seal Island.

With regular charters leaving from Hout Bay the trip showcase the scenery of the famous Chapmans Peak Drive and the Sentinel Mountain. The boat trip of about 40 minutes takes you right up close to thousands Cape Fur Seals. Seeing them in their natural habitat gives one a better understanding of their strength and endurance. Cape Fur Seal cubs starts swimming at about 6 weeks, they are entirely dependent on milk for the first six months and at about 7 months they can spend 2 to 3 days at sea on their own.

Not only will your stay at Ocean View House be memorable, but your kids will remember the experience and who knows, they may be inspired to became Marine Biologists.

]]>Zipline in picturesque Ceres Mountainshttp://oceanview-house.com/zipline-in-picturesque-ceres-mountains/
Thu, 11 Jan 2018 19:57:02 +0000http://oceanview-house.com/?p=3210Zipsliding is certainly an activity for the adventurous, described as “pure adrenaline”, with thrilling speeds, beautiful views, and an all-round exhilarating experience. A two hour drive from the Ocean View House, but definitely worth it. To zip slide in Ceres is a must do for every bucket list.

The staff at Ceres Zip Line Tours is friendly, welcoming and cheerful. The slides are secure and safe, and the sights are amazing. Wild fynbos, small mountain side pools, and the sandstone mountains themselves.

There are 8 different slides, with varying lengths, speeds, and heights to give a different feeling every time. The process itself is super simple: Strap on the harness, grab the handle on the line and slide! … Read more

]]>Zipsliding is certainly an activity for the adventurous, described as “pure adrenaline”, with thrilling speeds, beautiful views, and an all-round exhilarating experience. A two hour drive from the Ocean View House, but definitely worth it. To zip slide in Ceres is a must do for every bucket list.

The staff at Ceres Zip Line Tours is friendly, welcoming and cheerful. The slides are secure and safe, and the sights are amazing. Wild fynbos, small mountain side pools, and the sandstone mountains themselves.

There are 8 different slides, with varying lengths, speeds, and heights to give a different feeling every time. The process itself is super simple: Strap on the harness, grab the handle on the line and slide! The little ones can join the fun as well, over 3 must ride with an adult. But don’t worry, each tour can accommodate one guide to go with them!

Why not make a day out of it? On the drive back, you could even make a stop at Tolhuis Bistro and have some lovely food, surrounded by happy faces and wonderful smells. So grab your sun hat and camera and get sliding!

]]>Spend 4 beautiful winter nights at Ocean View House and pay for only 3http://oceanview-house.com/spend-4-beautiful-winter-nights/
Thu, 04 Jan 2018 06:26:01 +0000http://oceanview-house.com/?p=3200Capetonians just love winter; not too hot and certainly not cold. Winter days are perfect for exploring Cape Town without the crowds or the queues.

Take a drive to the winelands and enjoy the views, the fynbos ablaze with winter greens and colourful aloes or watch the visiting southern right whales from the comfort of your balcony.

Many restaurants and tours also have specials at this time of the year and so do we.

]]>Ocean View House offers you great advice on how to get the most out of your business trip to Cape Townhttp://oceanview-house.com/business-trip-cape-town/
Thu, 04 Jan 2018 06:20:00 +0000http://oceanview-house.com/?p=3191If you are lucky enough to be in Cape Town on business a little extra planning can turn a successful business trip into an amazing experience, for you and your partner.

FLY SMART

Some airlines, especially on long haul flights offer a partner tariff when two business tickets are purchased, this can be an enormous saving for you and your company. Even if you are flying down from Johannesburg or over from Durban, check out the mid-week deals. Compare prices and book as early as you can.

STAY SMART

Finding suitable accommodation can be a big deal at the best of times, there is so much to choose from.… Read more

]]>If you are lucky enough to be in Cape Town on business a little extra planning can turn a successful business trip into an amazing experience, for you and your partner.

FLY SMART

Some airlines, especially on long haul flights offer a partner tariff when two business tickets are purchased, this can be an enormous saving for you and your company. Even if you are flying down from Johannesburg or over from Durban, check out the mid-week deals. Compare prices and book as early as you can.

STAY SMART

Finding suitable accommodation can be a big deal at the best of times, there is so much to choose from. Cape Town is a big attraction for holidaymakers and conference goers alike. Don’t forget to ask if a business and pleasure special is available. Choose your hotel wisely, of course the room should be comfortable and have all the conveniences you will need like free Wi-Fi, sufficient plug points and a desk to catch up on meeting notes or skype calls. Decide, do you want a busy hotel bar or a place to relax and prepare your schedule? Of course, if your partner is with you, keep their needs in mind too. Does the hotel offer tours, an in-house spa and a garden with great ocean views? If there is room available, book it!

FAMILY SMART

Think about a family break. Many hotels offer family rooms and family rates especially midweek and if you are travelling in the school holidays there is so much to keep the rest of the family entertained if you are in meetings. Strolling around the Waterfront, checking out the boats and the seals is great fun. There is a children’s train, the Big Wheel, an amphitheatre with shows and there will always be some musicians or acrobats playing for visitors. At the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, to give it the full name, you have the widest selection of restaurants to satisfy even the fussiest little person’s eating preferences. The beauty of the Waterfront is also that it is an ideal place to meet up after work.

Ever walked on a Boomslang? That’s the swinging bridge at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, book a summer concert and take along a picnic basket. Or really take to the trees at Acrobranch in Constantia where courses are specially designed for all ages, and yes adults can join in.

WEATHER SMART

Cape Town can be windy, very windy but the sun will still be powerful so do not forget that sunblock when out and about. If you have a clear day with low wind then head to Table Mountain, the cable car is actually out of action more often than you’d think, almost always due to low visibility or high wind. Many visitors to Cape Town still haven’t been able to enjoy the spectacular views or meet the resident dassies. We’d love more rain in Cape Town, but if you get caught out by it, head to the Aquarium at the Waterfront. High wind threatening to spoil the day, take a trip to Big Bay and marvel at the Kite Surfers.

A colourful and unique experience, located in Kalk Bay, with a large variety of cocktails and tasty meals, all Cuban inspired and Cajun influenced. The décor and location are beautiful, right on the sea and full of colour and intricate designs. This, along with its regular music nights, makes it a great night out to experience something incredible!

Colours Café

Colours Café, a deli at the Rainbow Experience in Cape Town, is a place to experience both “fresh, delicious fusion food” and South African heritage. They have a wide variety of books and even a short film of Nelson Mandela’s life.… Read more

A colourful and unique experience, located in Kalk Bay, with a large variety of cocktails and tasty meals, all Cuban inspired and Cajun influenced. The décor and location are beautiful, right on the sea and full of colour and intricate designs. This, along with its regular music nights, makes it a great night out to experience something incredible!

Colours Café

Colours Café, a deli at the Rainbow Experience in Cape Town, is a place to experience both “fresh, delicious fusion food” and South African heritage. They have a wide variety of books and even a short film of Nelson Mandela’s life. It’s a great place to get a good idea of what our rainbow nation has accomplished.

Tessa’s Bakery

Tessa’s Bakery, in Milnerton makes amazing cakes and fantastic beverages to accompany them. Tessa’s Bakery is no longer just a place to pick a birthday cake, it is now described as “a sweet escape”. Tessa’s Bakery is a simple looking space full of colour, sugary, “picture-perfect” delights, alongside baking supplies and creative cake toppers.
From cakes, to cupcakes, to gluten free and vegan options, to their – now well loved – unicorn macaroons, this bakery really seems to have it all.

Hallelujah

A gorgeous restaurant serving delicious Asian fusion food, combined with the tapas style of serving small to share dishes. Described as “quaint and tasty”, it has a lovely interior and amazing food. The area itself is colourful and friendly, with cheerful staff and a great atmosphere.

The Charles Café

If there is one thing all the guests can agree on, it’s their quality food.
Burgers, sandwiches, salads, breakfasts, risottos, fish and chips … you name it! They have an extensive, colourful, and delicious menu. Not a place to drop by and grab a bite, but a fantastic place to sit down and really enjoy the food, and the view!

The Tuck Shop

This cute, little homey restaurant is loved for its meals, which are filled with love and tasty flavours! It’s cosy, colourful nook to go to and grab a good meal. The food is free range, the bakes are delicious and the shop owner is a delight. Yes this place is a local little treasure.

Culture Club Cheese

A bright yellow building with a rustic interior, it is perfect for the cheese lovers among us. It not only has a wide variety of cheeses, but a wide variety of non-cheese items as well, such as salads, sandwiches, and coffee! Yep, an excellent place to grab a bite while cruising Cape Town.

The Kitchen

The Kitchen, a lovely, comfy catering company, famous for its Love Sandwiches and fantastic salads, is definitely a place to visit when in Cape Town. With a vast variety of treats such as sandwiches, croissants, sausages and falafel, this kitchen really offers a colourful menu. Open Monday to Friday, this place has been described as a place of “wholesome good food”.

El Burro

El Burro, a restaurant with a rich colour scheme, authentic Mexican dishes and tequila. Located in Green Point, it is an excellent place to come on a sunny afternoon for a drink and some great food! Plus, there’s even a full vegan menu, and they do what they can to protect the environment. Guests have commented on the helpful and happy attitude of the staff, and the great decor.

The Stack

With a great décor, full of colour and intricacy, and excellent food, this old “Gentlemen’s Club” was transformed into an incredible restaurant and venue. Guests have described the service as being “treated like royalty”, and recommend it as a lovely place to get away from the hustle of the city, a nice little get away from the busy streets. With an extensive and delicious venue, including drinks, it’s truly a lovely, sophisticated and enjoyable place to have a meal.

]]>Experience Artjamming at the V&A Waterfront for a creative and colourful family outing.http://oceanview-house.com/3165-2/
Tue, 19 Dec 2017 09:20:46 +0000http://oceanview-house.com/?p=3165Artjamming: The Art of Paintertainment

Artjamming, described as “the art of paintertainment”, is simply letting go and letting your creative side take over, Whether it’s well placed brushstrokes or random platters, it’s about putting on an apron to face a blank canvas and unleashing your creativity in a unique and individual experience. Artjammers are provided with a menu of 12 different size canvases, easels, a choice of non-toxic acrylic paints on tap, brushes and a variety of tools, to fully express themselves. No skills are required, just your imagination!

If you want some help, whether with technique, advice or simply inspiration, there are qualified artists in the studio to help you out.… Read more

Artjamming, described as “the art of paintertainment”, is simply letting go and letting your creative side take over, Whether it’s well placed brushstrokes or random platters, it’s about putting on an apron to face a blank canvas and unleashing your creativity in a unique and individual experience. Artjammers are provided with a menu of 12 different size canvases, easels, a choice of non-toxic acrylic paints on tap, brushes and a variety of tools, to fully express themselves. No skills are required, just your imagination!

If you want some help, whether with technique, advice or simply inspiration, there are qualified artists in the studio to help you out.

You’ll be provided with everything you need, including canvas, 45 colors, paintbrushes, tools and even a hairdryer!

Yes, artjamming really seems like a medium to truly express yourself, with no limits or expectations.

And, there’s even something for the little ones! Artjamming has introduced Messy Play Classes, to help children grow and learn, using different art mediums to teach them about textures and colours, giving them a great basis for later artistic learning.

So, after a day of adventuring around the waterfront, whether it was visiting the aquarium, riding the Cape wheel, or doing some shopping, its a great way to let out your creative side and have some fun!

]]>Every 2nd January Kaapse Klopse takes over the streets of Cape Townhttp://oceanview-house.com/every-2nd-january-kaapse-klopse-takes-over-the-streets-of-cape-town/
Thu, 14 Dec 2017 09:50:06 +0000http://oceanview-house.com/?p=3161If you’re in Cape Town around January 2nd you’d better get your camera ready! Every year the vibrant Cape-Malay community sets out to celebrate its rich cultural heritage in a feast of colour and musical energy.

Originally the festival was a celebration granted to the slave population on their annual day “off’. Although, in the past it has been banned and the original route from Bo-Kaap to Green Point Stadium discontinued a few times, the guardians’ of this happy day fought on. In 2012 the city officially granted permission for the festival to remain an annual event in the Cape Town calendar.… Read more

]]>If you’re in Cape Town around January 2nd you’d better get your camera ready! Every year the vibrant Cape-Malay community sets out to celebrate its rich cultural heritage in a feast of colour and musical energy.

Originally the festival was a celebration granted to the slave population on their annual day “off’. Although, in the past it has been banned and the original route from Bo-Kaap to Green Point Stadium discontinued a few times, the guardians’ of this happy day fought on. In 2012 the city officially granted permission for the festival to remain an annual event in the Cape Town calendar.

Each group that enters into the festival tells a unique and colourful story of proud community heritage. Spurred on by various categories to win, such as the ‘Champions of Champions’ award, competition between groups is fierce. The final result on the day is a year of secretive practice and preparation!

So, if you’re in Cape Town on January 2nd you’ll have plenty of colourful memories to keep. From glimmering costumes to happy painted faces all dancing to the beat of their own groups. This historical day of freedom is now a treasure-filled day celebrated by all.

]]>Enjoy a colourful experience of Cape Town this Decemberhttp://oceanview-house.com/enjoy-colourful-experience-cape-town-december/
Tue, 05 Dec 2017 09:43:27 +0000http://oceanview-house.com/?p=3112If South Africa is the ‘Rainbow Nation’ then Cape Town must surely be the Rainbow City. Colour is everywhere, a sparkling blue ocean dotted with white wisps, sandy yellow beaches decorated with bright umbrellas and then there are the bright red tour busses which wind their way around this amazing city.

Jacaranda trees pop up in a blaze of purple offering shade on the hottest of days. They are deemed alien trees which need vast amounts of water to thrive so as a result new trees cannot be planted, we must enjoy the ones which have survived.

]]>If South Africa is the ‘Rainbow Nation’ then Cape Town must surely be the Rainbow City. Colour is everywhere, a sparkling blue ocean dotted with white wisps, sandy yellow beaches decorated with bright umbrellas and then there are the bright red tour busses which wind their way around this amazing city.

Jacaranda trees pop up in a blaze of purple offering shade on the hottest of days. They are deemed alien trees which need vast amounts of water to thrive so as a result new trees cannot be planted, we must enjoy the ones which have survived.

Nature blooms in the various National Parks which fill with a variety of different proteas. South Africa’s national flower, the King Protea is plentiful and a firm favourite for wonderful flower arrangements in hotels and restaurants at this time of the year. To experience the full floral kingdom visit Cape Town’s very own Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. There you will find a yellow Strelitzia Regina, they are normally orange but this one was especially created for Nelson Mandela and is known as Mandela’s Gold.

Surely everyone has seen a postcard of the beach huts in Muizenberg. Each individual little changing hut has a different coloured door and or roof. Add this to the surfers’ boards, patterned beach towels, sun-bathers attire and even the different scoops of ice cream on offer and your rainbow beach experience is complete. Well almost, just wait until the sun goes down and the sky changes from bright blue swallowing the golden yellow sun and then lights up the remaining clouds in hues of salmon pink and burnt orange. The very best place to view this ocean spectacle is of course from Camps Bay.

Nowhere in Cape Town are the houses so beautifully decorated in all the colours of the rainbow as in the central Bo Kaap area. This time of year the Cape Town Minstrals are out and about preparing for their Kaapse Klopse on 2nd January. A traditional carnival parade of different Minstral groups that wind their way through the city to the cheers and laughter of residents and visitors alike. Not only are the costumes, hats and decorative umbrellas a multi-coloured spectacle, the happy painted faces, singing and playing musical instruments as they dance though the streets makes a wonderful start to everyone’s new year.

Experience the colour and flavour of the inner city on our Bo Kaap cooking experience tour. Then, what better way to end the day than to return to Ocean View House and relax while soaking up the views from the beautiful Milkwood Suite.

Capturing a true South African feel the new Luxurious single Spa Therapy Room has been custom designed exclusively for Ocean View House. This classic gem creates a spa experience with your Relaxation, Rejuvenation and Pampering in mind.

Enjoy a tranquil escape with a wellness range of spa treatments and proudly South African products on offer.

Massages

Facials

Manicures

Pedicures

Hair removal

CSpa & Signature Noli Mini Products

AVAILABILITY

The Spa Therapy Room is available for all Ocean View House guests, as well as outside guests.

Our operating hours are daily from 10h00 – 19h00

MASSAGES IN THE GARDEN

On a Beautiful Summer’s Day choose your journey of wellness amidst the plush garden of Ocean View house.… Read more

Capturing a true South African feel the new Luxurious single Spa Therapy Room has been custom designed exclusively for Ocean View House. This classic gem creates a spa experience with your Relaxation, Rejuvenation and Pampering in mind.

Enjoy a tranquil escape with a wellness range of spa treatments and proudly South African products on offer.

Massages

Facials

Manicures

Pedicures

Hair removal

CSpa & Signature Noli Mini Products

AVAILABILITY

The Spa Therapy Room is available for all Ocean View House guests, as well as outside guests.

Our operating hours are daily from 10h00 – 19h00

MASSAGES IN THE GARDEN

On a Beautiful Summer’s Day choose your journey of wellness amidst the plush garden of Ocean View house. PRE-BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL for a massage in the garden.

BOOKINGS

Make your appointment with Ocean View Guest house or contact us directly at +27 73 361 1624